Welcome to some new customers!

I wanted to give a quick shout out to the following retailers who recently signed on with me for point of sale related products and services:

• Terra Casa in Oregon: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
• The Caring Place in Texas: POS hardware
• Sticker Planet: POS hardware
• Jordan Taylor in Texas: Card Defender for Microsoft RMS
• Pets West in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
• Martin Bruni Liquor in Washington State: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
• La La Liquor in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
• Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer
• Bedrock Comics: Microsoft RMS hardware and software for new store location (congrats!)

Thanks to all of you for your trust when it comes to retail point of sale hardware, software and services!

A List of the modules and plug ins for the Cloud Retailer point of sale software

I've had around a half dozen retailers contact me asking for more information about the various plug ins and modules for the Cloud Retailer point of sale software (Cloud Retailer is point of sale software designed as a direct low cost replacement for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software as well as software for medium sized retailers with more that $1M in annual gross sales).  Here you go:

Cloud Retailer Add On and Module List

Add Ons* (click on link for related video if available) Antivirus: Professional grade Anti-virus/malware software Cloud Retailer Mobile: Cloud Retailer Android App for inventory functions Supplier Integration (Fintech):            Liquor industry supplier QuickBooks Integration: Either QuickBooks for Windows or QuickBooks online PurePOS: Limits the computer to only POS software Base Alert Configuration: 50 email alerts per month on store level            activities or events like voids, discounts, low stock 250 Alert Per Month Pack:                 If using more than 50 alerts per month Customization (per hour):               Hours needed to create a customization Additional Data Pack: Needed If a stores database exceeds 2GB 50GB plus databases:                        Needed If a stores database exceeds 50gb Microsoft PowerBI:                         Integration with Microsoft Business Intelligence Uncorked Commerce: Cloud Retailer e-commerce site for liquor stores Magento e-commerce (basic):           Integration with a basic e-commerce site from Magento Magento e-commerce (advanced):    Integration with an advanced e-commerce site from Magento 1014 Reporting (PA):                      Report required for liquor stores in PA OLCC Reporting (OR):                    Report required for liquor stores in OR WSLCB Reporting: Report required for liquor stores in WA AC Nielsen Export:                             Export data for an AC Neilsen report Additional EDI import formats:         Data Interchange importing setup and configuration   *please contact RITE at 888-267-7483 or sales@rite.us for current pricing

Module* (click on link for related video if available) Basic Install and Training Services:   General POS and Back Office Operations plus POS Basics and Back Office Basics  End Of Day Reconciliation: End of day close out process Back Office Reporting:           Running reports Shelf Tag Printing: How to print shelf tags& barcode labels/tags Age Verification:  How to setup and use Age Verification Gift Card Creation And Processing:     How to create and redeem gift cards Employee Time Clock:  How to use the employee time clock Setting Up Basic Promotions:            How to create general sales and related promotions like discounting Rentals / Kegs: How to use the keg rental feature Inventory:   More in depth inventory training that includes  purchase orders, inventory transfers and physical inventory counts   Introduction To Configuring Taskpads:     How to create, modify and save POS Taskpads (buttons on the POS screen) Creating and managing orders:          How to setup and use work orders, layaway's, and  special orders Wholesale / on account:                     Setup and use of the Accounts Receivable feature Customer Loyalty Program:              Setup and use of the customer loyalty feature Basic Product Importing:                   How to import products from supplier catalogs or  similar sources Supplier Purchase Planning:             How to use supplier purchase planning to create purchase orders Configuring Dynamic Attribute Sets:  How to create multiple relations Multi-store Functionality:                     Various multi-store functions for products, staff, reports, etc. Regional Permissions:                         How to restrict leadership at one location from accessing another store locations data. Formula Based, Advanced Promotions: How to setup complex promotions and sales Multi Layered, Quantity/Volume Discount Schemes, Price levels, etc. Importing Of Other Data Types:         How to import non-inventory data POS Installation Training: How to install and configure Cloud Retailer POS  without assistance from RITE Introduction To Creating Custom Reports: How to use the built in tool for creating custom reports Advanced Task Pad Configuration:    How to create and maintain task  pads in Cloud Retailer Advanced Commands And Workflows: How to manipulate and adjust commands and software work flows in Cloud Retailer

Urgent Advice: Cloud and Subscription Based POS Software Programs

For those of you using Cloud and Subscription Based Point of Sale Software:

I am sure that many of you have seen the vast number of retail stores and restaurants that are currently closed or only offering limited service. I am in the process of having phone conversations around 50 retailers across the US (of varying sizes and type of products being offered).  While it would be awesome if all of them survived this economic downturn, it is clear that some will not.

That means that the point of sale companies will see declining monthly revenues. It is very likely that some point of sale providers will not survive the economic downturn either.  Most likely on the restaurant side of things but I expect to see some closing on the retail side as well.

Thus I would highly suggest ensuring that you are keeping a backup of all of your inventory/product, customer, and supplier information on a daily basis.

You may be able to request a backup from the place that provided your point of sale system.

Alternately, you should be able to run product, customer, and supplier reports at the end of each day and then export these reports to a spreadsheet. These exported reports can then be saved to a thumb drive, dropbox, or similar as a CVS or similar file.

This is purely for your protection in case you no longer have access to your point of sale system due to the provider ceasing operations.

Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any questions.

Welcome to the first Customers of 2020!

As we wrap up the first full month of 2020, a hearty welcome to the following retailers that selected myself as their point of sale partner:

• Sage Brush Trading in Arizona: Retail Management Hero support and training
• JD's Market in Washington State: Card Defender for Microsoft RMS
• Noble Spirits in Washington State: Card Defender from Microsoft RMS
• Pet Adventure in Washington State: New Point of Sale Hardware
• Station Wine and Spirits in Oklahoma: Microsoft RMS Maintenance Agreement
• Grape Wine and Spirits in Oklahoma: Microsoft RMS Maintenance Agreement

Are you curious why these retailers choose myself ? Then please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information.

Honest Feedback on Retail Management Hero (RMH)

As we start a new decade, I wanted to pass along my personal experience in working with retailers who are using the Retail Management Hero point of sale software. I have been onsite with many of these retailers and/or spoken with them via phone and helped with installation and training.

First, the negative reviews: https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-hero-profile/

I can vouch for almost all of those reviews as being valid (these retailers did not acquire RMH through myself, or RITE, but I am familiar with their stores).

As for retailers who did acquire RMH via myself and RITE, there seems to be a 80/20 split between those who love RMH (80%) and those who are struggling to use RMH (20%). These are retailers across just about all industries and are located across the US.  The biggest concerns to note about RMH are:

1. Needing to use add-ons for credit card processing
2. Differences between Microsoft RMS and RMS as covered here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqPTxoSgHHo
3. RMH Central is NOT ready for general release
4. Not being able to see cost at the POS screen
5. Not being able to add new items at the POS screen
6. Lack of a manual or users guide
7. Too many releases and cost to install each new release
8. No support is included with annual software maintenance

The retailers who love RMH have expressed the following to me:

1. POS is really easy to train cashiers on
2. Liked that they could move their data from Microsoft RMS to RMH
3. Plenty of third party plug ins for e-comm, and accounting software interfaces
4. Uses fairly standard point of sale hardware and peripherals
5. The built in customer loyalty program is a nice feature
6. Physical inventory counts are easy to do using the built in tool
7. New options for shipping, age verification, and liquor store integrations

There also seems to be a trend of various RMH re-sellers abandoning retailers mid-deployment which myself and RITE have done our best to help clean up. Never an ideal situation but it seems to have gone well 90% of the time in fixing what the RMH re-seller promised but never delivered on.

Are you considering RMH and/or have RMH feedback? Then please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Cloud Retailer POS for Beer/Wine/Liquor Stores

Over the last few years, the folks at Cloud Retailer have been working on including specific features and functions within the Cloud Retailer point of sale software that are vertical specific. Recent examples include the following retail verticals:

• Gun and Archery Stores
• Furniture Stores
• Convenience Stores (no fuel sales)
• Cannabis Retail
• Corner Markets and Specialty Food Stores
• Mobile Retailers
• Trampoline Parks
• Gift Shops and Tourist Attractions
• and more on the way...

This post will focus on the Beer, Wine and Liquor Store vertical.  There is a lot that Cloud Retailer offers for the Beer, Wine and Liquor retailers.  Specific examples include:

Age Verification:

Automated Cash Discounts:

Supplier Purchase Planning:

Unit of Measure:

Detailed Product Attributes:

If you own or operate a beer, wine or liquor store, it is worth taking a look at Cloud Retailer. Free trial versions are available by contacting me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com (US and Canada only please),.

Last Reminder on Windows 7 End of Life

If you happen to still be using Windows 7 on your point of sale computers, it is important to note that all support for Windows 7 will end on January 14th, 2020. What does this mean? Basically, you will be using an un-supported operating system and will most likely need to upgrade to Windows 10 (and may need to upgrade your computers as well).  Reasons for this include the following:

• Being non-PCI compliant
• Being vulnerable to virus and malware attacks (potential loss and/or compromise of data)
• POS software may no longer be supported if using Windows 7
• Peripherals like receipt printers, payment terminals, scales, customer displays, etc may no longer be supported
• Your point of sale Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller will no longer assist you
• You may not be able to use integrated payment terminals 

You may want to take this opportunity to evaluate which point of sale software program to use and see if it is time to make a switch to newer point of sale software as you will likely already be investing in new computers. Keep in mind that the only way to by-pass this would be to use stand alone payment terminals and computers that have no internet access.

Questions or need some advice? Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

Fall Promotion

As we wind our way through the end of 2019, I wanted to pass along the following promotion valid through November 15th, 2019:

My hourly rate is waived for all on-site consulting services.  All you pay is actual travel expenses for on-site point of sale consulting at your business location.

This offer is valid for contracts signed by November 15th, 2019 and only available to retailers located in the United States. Maximum on-site time is limited to 6 hours a day for up to 5 consecutive business days. Actual travel expenses include airfare, rental car, food per diam, fuel and lodging.

Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information.

Advanced Settings and Custom Reports in the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software

By request from retailers: a very brief and basic overview of custom report creation and some of the more advanced settings within the Cloud Retailer Point of Sale Software.

For more information please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. Cloud Retailer can be reached at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

Updates on Retail Management Hero Central

Fresh off of a webinar regarding the status of the Retail Management Hero (RMH) Central software designed for retailers with more than one location, here are some updates to pass along:

• 50 partners have been trained world wide to sell and support RMH Central
• Uses background services to sync data between store and central HQ (no worksheet required, looks for changes and syncs automatically)
• Near real time data sync
• Can have store specific customers (customer record doesn't have be stored at all the stores)
• Can return products at a store that is not the same store as the original purchase
• Global customer loyalty program included
• Global voucher (gift card/gift certificate) included
• Very simple and straightforward inventory transfer abilities in near real time 
• Regional suppliers

At this time, no release date information on RMH Central was shared. My best guess is that we are looking at very late 2019 or early 2020 before RMH Central will be stable and deploy-able.

Please let me know if you have any questions on RMH Central by contacting me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

Can't Process Credit Cards? Comcast Outage

If your credit and debit card processing has stopped working (or generates an error message), the you may effected by a Comcast Outage.

Status updates can be found at: http://trust.cloudretailer.com/

Recent Posts in an NCR CounterPoint SQL Users Forum

POSTINGS FROM OUR FREE  

'NCR COUNTERPOINT® SQL' FORUM 

Counterpoint® Users Group (CPUSER.ORG®) is an independent Support Group for users of Counterpoint® Point-Of-Sale Software by NCR Corporation (formerly by Radiant Systems, Inc. & by Synchronics, Inc.).  We have been serving the Counterpoint® Community since 2003.  Please see our Legal Disclaimer at the end of this e-mail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1.) "Moving to NCR SecurePay"   

This NCR Counterpoint® SQL user gets Credit Card Errors when processing with Vital.

Another user posts a reminder of CPGateway's End-of-Life on April 30 and includes how to switch to NCR SecurePay.

See users-helping-users at Posting #3394, "Credit Card SSL error help."

2.)  Counterpoint® Questions & Answers  

  

"Grid Index"

"CPSQL 8.5.4.0"    

"Error when trying to run Resources and Locks" 

3.)  HostGator Error 404:  Page Not Found: 

If you are trying to connect to our Forum and get an Error 404 Message, change the 50.87.144.104  IP Address in the link towww.cpuser.org and the link will work. 

       

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

SALE * SALE * SALE:

Thermal Receipt Paper Rolls: 

*  $62.10/Case of 50 Rolls

*  3 1/8 Inch x 230 Feet (Epson, Bixolon, etc.)    

*  Free Shipping

*  That's 54 cents per 100 Feet!  

*  Regular Price is $69.00/Case 

*  Call or E-Mail Us Today! Plus Save 10% on Labels, Tags, & Ribbons! 

SALE * SALE * SALE 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Questions???  Call or E-mail us!  

Counterpoint Users Group 

(CPUSER.ORG®)

Gordon Gelrod, Owner 

Toll-Free:  (888) 434-0844 

E-mail:  Gordon@cpuser.org 

Website:  www.cpuser.org   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

        

* LEGAL DISCLAIMER

CPUSER.ORG® and Counterpoint Users Group provide independent technical support services and information specifically for users of COUNTERPOINT® point of sale systems.

COUNTERPOINT® is a registered trademark of CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and a licensed trademark property of NCR Corporation (formerly licensed by Radiant Systems, Inc. and by Synchronics, Inc.

CPUSER.ORG® is a registered trademark of Counterpoint Users Group.

CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and NCR Corporation neither endorse nor have any affiliation with CPUSER.ORG® or Counterpoint Users Group.

Retail Management Hero v 3.51: List of Updates

A list of the various updates to the Retail Management Hero point of sale software over the last several months:

RMH 3.5.4 (February 2018) Release
Includes version 3.5.3 new features as well as a roll-up of resolved issues and fixes

New Features include:
Retail Management Hero (RMH) 3.5.4 is a maintenance release that carries over all features from its predecessors . The following improvements are available in RMH 3.5.4 .

Notes :

•  To upgrade to RMH 3.5.4 from RM H 3. 5 .0 or earlier , you must first uninstall the old version and install the new one.
  

•  Offline to online synchronization of payment data is currently not supported .
  

Previously released new features in 3.5.3  were:
Retail Management Hero (RMH) 3.5.3 is a maintenance release that carries over all features from its predecessors. The following improvements are available in RMH 3.5.3.

• Change Item Prices when receiving a PO (Store Manager)
• Sort Purchase Order Details exactly like it’s done in Purchase Order Requisition (Store Manager)
• Add an Item Movement Report to the Purchase Order details (Store Manager)
• Updated Spanish language menus (POS and Store Manager)
• Deleting a line drops the cursor (or active line) to the next item in order (Store Manager)
  

Note:
To upgrade to RMH 3.5.3 from RMH 3.5.0 or earlier, you must first uninstall the old version and install the new one.

Offline to online synchronization of payment data is currently not supported

Previously released new features in 3.5.2  were:
Retail Management Hero (RMH) 3.5.2 is a maintenance release that carries over all features from its predecessor, RMH 3.5.0 Beta. While RMH 3.5.2 provides mostly improvements and critical fixes, it is considered the GA version of the RMH 3.5.x series. The following improvements are available in RMH 3.5.2.

• Validating all fields on the item form (Store Manager)
  

Note: To upgrade to RMH 3.5.2 from RMH 3.5.0 or earlier, you must first uninstall the old version and install the new one.

RMH 3.5.2 (January 2018) Release
Includes version 3.5.1 new features as well as a roll-up of resolved issues and fixes

New Features include:
Retail Management Hero (RMH) 3.5.2 is a maintenance release that carries over all features from its predecessor, RMH 3.5.0 Beta. While RMH 3.5.2 provides mostly improvements and critical fixes, it is considered the GA version of the RMH 3.5.x series. The following improvements are available in RMH 3.5.2.

• Validating all fields on the item form (Store Manager)
  

Note: To upgrade to RMH 3.5.2 from RMH 3.5.0 or earlier, you must first uninstall the old version and install the new one.

Previously released new features in 3.5.1  were:
Improvement in the Max Amount or Percentage Discount (POS, Store Manager)
Enable/disable editing the Item Description (POS)
Improvements in the Cash Drawer functionality (POS)
Channels added to the Net Display (POS)
Extended Description field added to the Action menu (POS)
Include '*' in the quantity/weight entry on-screen num-pads (POS)
Add Description to Reason Code list (Loyalty)
Fractional Item Quantities for Assembly items (POS, Store Manager)
Please refer to the release notes PDF contained inside the zip installer (info folder)


NOTE: To view the latest RMH documentation, visit https://www.rmhpos.com/resources/. Latest addition to the RMH documentation is the RMH POS How-To Guide, which walks new cashiers through all the basic features and functions of the RMH POS program.


Previously released new features in 3.5.0 Beta were:
TaskPads (POS, Store Manager)
Active Reports (Store Manager)
Enhanced custom reports to include filtering (Store Manager)
Additional fields to the Detailed Sales Reports (Store Manager)
Cash Drawer: Support for two independent cash drawers (POS)
Column tooltips in customer lookup and item lookup (POS)
Automatic refresh at the POS after changes are made at the Store Manager (POS)
Tax brackets (POS)
Prompt to Show PO/Transfer – Receipt document after Commit (Store Manager)
Recall Layaway (list/grid) – Include columns for Ref and Comment (POS
Please refer to the release notes PDF contained inside the zip installer (info folder)


NOTE: To view the latest RMH documentation, visit https://www.rmhpos.com/resources/. Latest addition to the RMH documentation is the RMH POS How-To Guide, which walks new cashiers through all the basic features and functions of the RMH POS program.

****Please Contact A Retail Management Hero Partner for Help in Upgrading to the Latest Version of the Retail Management Hero Point of Sale Software****

RMH iPOS for Retail Management Hero

So the very cool RMS iPOS app has been updated to work with the Retail Management Hero software. I'm going to start this off by stating that I can only recommend this app when not used to accept integrated payments.  Reason is that the app only works with Shift 4 for payment processing and I've had some very negative personal experiences with the processing services offered by Shift 4 and would never recommend or support using Shift 4 for merchant services. One example being a merchant in the Seattle area that was being charged $2,700 a year in extra transaction fees by Shift 4 on top of their normal processing rates.

The good news is that the RMH iPOS app still has a lot of value for retailers looking for a line busting mobile device, a device for physical inventory counts, and off site sales not using an integrated payment terminal. I actually have both the RMH iPOS and RMS iPOS on my iPad and have been impressed with the functionality. The key functions are there - very similar to what I've worked with on the NCR CounterPoint side of things with the CP Mobile iOS solution for NCR CounterPoint SQL.

Some of the key information about RMH iPOS:

• Syncs items and customers
• Has an off line mode in case connection to RMH database is lost
• Can handle sales, quotes, work orders, and physical inventory counts
• Scan barcodes via camera or BlueTooth device
• $650/device + $117/device for annual maintenance
• You must own a base license of RMH!

Video Review and Overview

Want more information?  Contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Cloud Retailer - The "Yes We Can Do That" Retail Point of Sale Program

So I've had the opportunity to work more and more with the Cloud Retailer point of sale software over the last year - including a few deployments. While Cloud Retailer is still catching up to include a few features and functions, one area where Cloud Retailer has excelled is in the area of custom configurations.

While most of the point of sale software programs require that you follow the processes built in to the program (or devise a workaround), Cloud Retailer actually can be configured to match your processes in most cases.  I've seem this first hand with liquor stores, mobile locksmiths, a chain of airport gift shops, a trampoline park, a gun store, and a theater.

The secret is that Cloud Retailer was designed to be easily configurable so little to no actual coding or programming is required. That means retailers can use a point of sale program that follows their processes instead of paying for costly customization.

I do have a full copy of Cloud Retailer if you are interested in learning more - Cloud Retailer is positioned to meet the needs of retailers and franchises with between 1 and 300 locations.

You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information. Cloud Retailer can be reached at 888-267-7483 or sales@rite.us.

Cloud Retailer Discounts for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users

With more and more retailers looking to replace their Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software, I figured that now is a good time to explain the various discounts offered to RMS users who migrate to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software:

For RMS users who are current on software maintenance:
100% Discount on the up front license cost of Cloud Retailer (normally $500/lane).

Please note the following as well:

• The RMS database can be imported in to Cloud Retailer - including 3 years (or more) of customer purchase history.
• Cloud Retailer includes Card Defender which offers the latest in payment processing technology and security.
• Cloud Retailer is a single or multi-location point of sale program. No additional modules (or servers) are needed to use Cloud Retailer across multiple locations.
• Cloud Retailer is licensed by the number of check out lane licenses that you need. Back office/manager licenses are free.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. I have also created a couple of videos about Cloud Retailer as a low cost Microsoft RMS replacement which can be found here and here.

New Version of RMS/Retail Management Hero Demo and Overview

So excited for Microsoft RMS users as well as retailers in general as the new Retail Management Hero (RMH)  point of sale software is here!  While the name is slightly different, I can really see why RMH could be labeled as version 3 of Microsoft Dynamics RMS.

There are multiple reasons why RMS users and retailers should take a serious look at RMH.  From an RMS users perspective you have the following:

1. No need to start from scratch for training 
2. Low cost upgrade licenses $215 to $465/computer depending on your software maintenance 
3. Keep nearly all of your historical data (sales, customers, etc)
4. Works with Windows 10 - eliminate the issues with RMS and Windows 10
5. Use your existing peripherals (cash drawer, receipt printer etc) or start fresh with new hardware

For Retailers in General, RMH offers the following:

1. Proven database platform
2. Potential existing user based of 40,000+ stores
3. Overall costs are 20% - 30%  than similar point of sale systems like NCR CounterPoint and Retail Pro
4. Solid solution for retailers who need more that what the tablet POS systems can offer (Clover, Vend. Shopkeep, Lava, Silver, Bindo, etc) but don't have the sales volume to justify investing in NCR CounterPoint, Retail Pro, or Dynamics AX

My advice to RMS users is that you get in touch with myself or your existing Dynamics RMS Partner to take a look at your various options and chart a course for the next 60-90 days.  Each situation is different but the good news is that everyone has multiple options.

How to obtain a 30 day trial version of Retail Management Hero: http://www.pospondering.com/2017/01/how-to-obtain-30-day-trial-license-of.html

You can reach me on my cell at 208-340-5632 or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.  I'm presently only able to provide service, sales, and support to retailers in the United States at this time.

Oh yeah, here is the video:

Is Retail Management Hero Really A New Version of Microsoft RMS?

Update July 2016, Retail Management Hero demo and overview: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/07/new-version-of-rmsretail-management.html

So, many of you have been asking me whether the new Retail Management Hero software is really a new version of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.  The short answer is "yes".  Here is how this all came to be.

1. Sales Management Systems (SMS) sold a point of sale program called QuickSell 2000 in the late 1990's via resellers and point of sale value added resellers (including myself).
2. SMS released QuickSell Commerce 
3. SMS's products (and some of their employee's) are acquired by Microsoft
4. Microsoft released RMS version 1.3 which offered a direct low cost upgrade from QuickSell 2000 and QuickSell Commerce
5. Microsoft released RMS version 2.0 (and various updates and service packs)
6. Microsoft shifts distribution of RMS to Scan Source and then Retail Realm
7. Microsoft announces in 2014 that RMS is "end of life"
8. Microsoft sells the coding and rights of RMS to Retail Hero in Canada 
9. Retail Hero in Canada and Retail Realm partner together to update RMS 
10. June 14th, 2016 Version 3 of RMS is released under the new name of Retail Management Hero

Probably boring stuff but you can see that RMS has a long history - as well as a user base exceeding 40,000 stores.  The new version is of high interest to RMS users as well as retailers searching for a POS system due to the following:

• EMV compliant out of the box
• Low cost upgrade from RMS (starting at $232.00/computer)
• RMS users (in most cases) can keep their existing data and computers, cash drawers, etc
• New customer loyalty module
• Adaptable to nearly any type of retail store
• Overall investment cost will likely be around 30% less that similar systems
• Speed and reliability of an on-site POS system (not cloud based or "pay as you use")

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Retail Management Hero as a Replacement for Microsoft Dynamics RMS

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

A video highlighting what we know about the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software as a direct replacement for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software. Subject to change of course!  Also included is my advice for Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software users who have made it past the EMV deadline and are now planning for the end of life of Dynamics RMS.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Review of NCR Silver

I've had the opportunity to work with the NCR Silver point of sale app and thought that I should pass along my thoughts on NCR Silver.

The Good:

• Very easy to use
• Set or flexible monthly pricing
• Seasonal pricing for seasonal businesses
• Designed for both retail and food service
• Great for mobile businesses that sell products and/or services
• Backed by NCR
• Monthly price includes updates and technical support
• Manager/Owner part of the app can be accessed through a web browser

The OK:

• Average interface for food service businesses
• Offers more than what a cash register can do
• Basic customer email marketing functions
• Fairly limited hardware compatibility
• Unclear how secure all the data is

 The Not So Good:

• Only very basic customer and inventory tracking
• No purchasing and receiving
• Limited reporting
• Somewhat confusing merchant service options

Summary:

NCR Silver is a great solution for businesses looking for more than what a cash register can offer but do not have the volume to justify investing in a full blown point of sale system.  NCR Silver has also found a niche with seasonal or mobile businesses like concession related businesses, firework stands and Christmas tree sales.

NCR Silver is also a tough product to sell as there is little to no revenue for the dealer/partner to sell it. Most folks end up dealing with NCR Directly unless their local dealer/partner can offer some sort of incentive.

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.